Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS) Board of Directors has named Katie Scott its next Executive Director. She will begin her tenure at WCRIS on June 3, 2024.
Katie brings a wealth of education and state government experience to WCRIS. She has strong working relationships with and is well-respected by education stakeholders at local, state and national levels.
An accomplished public servant, she formerly worked on the staff of several Wisconsin state legislators. Katie last served as the Chief of Staff and Committee Clerk for the Assembly Committee on Education for former Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R – Fond du Lac), chair of the committee and WCRIS school educator. While at the State Capitol, Katie worked successfully with WCRIS on many education policy matters.
“For the last 50 years, WCRIS has been proud to support and protect the unique missions of Wisconsin’s religious and independent K-12 schools. Katie’s experience and skill set will allow us to continue to effectively serve and advocate for our member schools and their students. We look forward to welcoming her to WCRIS in June,” said WCRIS President, Dr. Chris Cody.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the WCRIS team. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to get to know our members on a deeper level and to advocate, serve and support our schools. WCRIS schools are doing amazing work, and I’m excited to be a part of the WCRIS community,” Katie said about joining the organization.
Katie is succeeding current Executive Director, Sharon L. Schmeling, 60, who will be retiring in September 2024 after serving WCRIS for nearly a decade. As WCRIS’ first female Executive Director, Sharon fought for religious and independent schools’ autonomy in educating students.
Sharon was part of the pivotal parental choice movement in Milwaukee, which now impacts thousands of children nationwide. Her official papers are housed at the Marquette University Raynor Memorial Libraries archives. Because of Sharon’s leadership, Katie inherits a prominent and effective organization.
“The Board of Directors has made an excellent choice in WCRIS’ new Executive Director. I’m excited to see all the organization will accomplish under Katie’s strategic leadership,” remarked Sharon.
Katie and Sharon will serve WCRIS concurrently until Sharon’s retirement on Sept. 12, 2024. Sharon will be available to WCRIS as Emeritus Executive Director until March 2025.
